The Noire is a great introductory river for whitewater

Designed as a stepping stone from the Young Adventurers trips to more challenging programs like River Trek, Navigators is an opportunity for children from 10 to 13 to enjoy the “thrills” of whitewater canoeing. This trip provides an appropriate challenge for “older” tens or “younger” thirteen’s. The same relaxed pace as the Young Adventurers program allows our staff to help foster a sense of confidence in moving water through instruction, practice and games.

Most participants arrive to Navigators with little or no canoeing or camping experience, so instruction in basic canoe-tripping and whitewater paddling skills are provided on a daily basis. Participants are taught and nurtured by mature guides who understand the difficulties young teenagers can face in a challenging environment. With a staff to tripper ratio of 1:4, each participant receives the attention they need.

Trip is a great place to make new friends and have fun

The Noire River is regarded as one of the finest beginner level rivers in Canada. Easy whitewater combined with a swift current make the Noire perfect for a first whitewater canoeing experience. The program takes place on a short section of the mid-lower Noire. This section, normally run in 4 or 5 days, provides excellent instructional sites on twelve sets of narrow and easily navigable rapids. With only four portages, this route provides lots of time for paddling and practicing new skills. Our relaxed schedule allows us to enjoy most sites for 2 days and 2 nights. At each set of rapids, the participants are given the opportunity to challenge themselves to their own level. They can run the rapid or they can choose to walk around while encouraging their tripmates from the river’s shores. All Navigators portage around any rapids deemed by the Guides to be beyond the skill level of the group. This trip covers almost 75 km of the Noire River as the group paddles through short rapids and flatwater meanders, culminating with an exciting long, but safe rapid near the end of our journey.
As with other canoe trip programs, each participant is counted on to help with daily activities such as cooking and campsite setup and takedown, but the fun is equally shared as well. Warm summer nights around the campfire are filled with stories and song. The triumphs of the day retold, the triumphs of tomorrow eagerly anticipated.

Typical Day on Navigators

Paddlefoot Sample Trip Meals